Lower your Cholesterol Naturally

Red yeast rice extract is a traditional food prepared by yeast fermentation and supports healthy cholesterol metabolism because of its effects on HMG-CoA reductase enzyme.  (chemically identical to lovastatin which is Merck's anti cholesterol agent called Mevacor)

The Good news about research pertaining to red rice yeast extract.

Research trial from the UCLA School of Medicine, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Feb. 1999), has confirmed that a supplement known as red yeast extract reduces cholesterol levels by an average of 40 points in 12 weeks when combined with a low-fat diet. That is a similar result that a person would expect from a low dose of the popular cholesterol drug Mevacor.

 High Cholesterol can of lead to coronary artery disease and narrowing of the arteries.  However, cholesterol is also necessary for certain vital body functions such as the production of hormones, and creating the insulation for the nervous system.  High cholesterol needs to be controlled first by diet.  Some people have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol and must have their high cholesterol levels lowered by medication or natural supplements.  Until recently , elevated cholesterol levels could be controlled by taking Niacin, or by taking of of several expensive pharmaceutical agents available on the market today.  Recently, it was discovered that a natural component of Red Yeast extract actually contained the natural version of a synthetically produced high cholesterol medication.  The announcement and public use of this supplement lead to the drug manufacturer trying to ban the import and sale of this supplement for lowering cholesterol naturally, based on what they called patent infringement.  How can nature infringe on the patent of a naturally occurring supplement you may ask?  We ask the same question. 

What is Red Yeast Extract? 

This is what the drug companies thought it was in 1998, leading them to try and block its use. Luckily the ban didn't stick.

The FDA ruled that a red rice yeast extract, products containing red rice yeast extract must be taken off of the market as it contains mevinolin which is chemically identical to lovastatin which is Merck's anti cholesterol agent called Mevacor. Mevinolin occurs naturally  in the red yeast, Monascus purpureus which has been used in Asia to in creating wine from rice. Mother nature provides us with a naturally occurring gift for lowering cholesterol. The neutriceutical companies simply grind it up and process it into capsules. Cholestin sells for $15 and Mevacor sells for $77.

The statins in Mevacor™, and  in red yeast rice extract pose the risk of rare but serious reactions, including skeletal muscle damage, liver damage, and kidney toxicity. Approximately 1% to 2% of people taking the drug lovastatin have such reactions. Symptoms may include unexplained weakness, muscle pains and tenderness, and other flulike symptoms. It’s still unclear whether these types of reactions occur with people taking the standardized red yeast rice extract, however. In a recent, 12-week clinical trial, for example, liver and kidney function in the participants remained normal.

Don't take the supplement if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Statements made on this page have not been evaluated by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, or offer medical advice. Please consult your physician or other health care provider on all medical matters.